Old School Cafeteria Pizza is a throwback to the classic square pizza slices served in school cafeterias, known for their pourable crust, thick toppings, and robust tomato flavor. This recipe allows you to recreate that nostalgic pizza experience at home with a simple and adaptable process.
Ingredients
Pourable Crust:
2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup powdered milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) quick-rise yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 ⅔ cups warm water (105-110°F)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Toppings:
½ pound ground beef
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 (8-ounce) block of Mozzarella cheese, shredded (or imitation Mozzarella for an authentic taste)
Tomato Sauce:
6 oz. can tomato paste
1 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ tablespoon dried oregano
½ tablespoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Grease the Baking Pan: Spray a baking pan (preferably 9×13-inch) with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm water with vegetable oil. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring quickly until a dough forms.
Press Out Dough: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it out evenly with your fingers. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.
Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it starts to set but is not yet browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the tomato paste, water, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the prepared tomato sauce over the pre-baked crust.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the sauce, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Final Bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Step 4: Serve
Cool and Slice: Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares.
Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the nostalgic flavors!
Variations and Substitutions
Crust Variations:
Whole Wheat Crust: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, ensuring the powdered milk and yeast are also gluten-free.
Cheese Options:
Low-Fat Cheese: Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter option.
Vegan Cheese: Substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the pizza vegan-friendly.
Protein Alternatives:
Turkey or Chicken: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.
Sauce Tweaks:
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for some heat.
Herb-Infused Oil: Use herb-infused olive oil to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
Additional Toppings:
Classic Pepperoni: Add slices of pepperoni for a classic pizza twist.
Hawaiian Style: Top with ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combination.
Supreme: Load the pizza with a variety of toppings such as sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives.
Dietary Modifications:
Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium tomato paste and cheese, and season the meat sparingly to lower the overall sodium content.
Low-Carb: Try a cauliflower crust or another vegetable-based crust for a lower carbohydrate option.
Conclusion
Old School Cafeteria Pizza is a versatile and nostalgic dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or introducing it to a new generation, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table. Experiment with the crust, sauce, and toppings to make it your own, and enjoy every bite of this classic comfort food.
